PAINFUL PLEASURE [COMPLETED]

47. Court Hearing

AVNEET'S POV

Everyone had already arrived at the point outside the court where we had planned to assemble. Abhishek Bhaiya hugged me tightly and did not let go until I stopped trembling.

Vaishnavi Bhabhi gave me a box of aloo paratha. I had forgotten to do breakfast yet again, so my stomach was growling. I was grateful for her thoughtfulness, and though the thought of eating right now made me want to throw up, I ate one paratha.

We ran through a few things again with the lawyer, Aaron, and everyone present, which were Bhaiya-Bhabhi, Gaura, Anushka, Nihira, Siddharth's employees, and two of my employees.

These are the only people who trusted Siddharth and came to show their support.

"I guess I'm on time," someone said from behind.

I turned to find Sandy standing with her baby on her hip and her husband's, Josh's, arms laced protectively around her waist. My heart clenched.

"I'll have this again soon," I reminded myself.

"Sandy," I said.

She handed over the child to Josh and came to meet everyone. She had been Siddharth's PA for so long before she decided to take a break and dedicate time to her family.

"You didn't have to come in this condition," I told her.

"Everyone keeps worrying, but I'm fine now. I gave birth four months ago." She chuckled.

She moved around to hug everyone, and surprisingly, it seemed like Nihira and her were bonding very well.

"We believe him," Josh said.

"It means a lot," I acknowledged.

From our position, we were safely hidden from the prying eyes of the reporters who had gathered outside the court. I recognised a few top ones, and it stung that the ones who used to post good news about him are degrading his name on TV.

Just then, an entourage of cars arrived, and a few ministers stepped out. They gave interviews and claimed to be here to ensure that an innocent girl was not denied justice because her 'rapist' was rich.

"What the fuck?" Nihira exclaimed.

"More media coverage," Sandy mumbled under her breath.

"What does this mean?" Nihira asked.

"Because the ministers are here, media will be allowed inside court," Sandy explained, and everyone groaned.

I watched with a straight posture as the guards opened the gates and allowed a few reporters inside. Now the entire case will be telecasted live all over the world.

"Things just got a million times more complex," Aaron said.

"They did not. Siddharth is still innocent. He is still the one being framed. Justice will be served to him today. We have to ensure that," I replied.

Another karwaan of cars arrived. The reporters went crazy jumping over one another, and a group of women protesters surrounded the cars. My pulse rate spiked up.

I swear to God if anyone hurt Siddharth, then I would personally rip them apart.

The doors opened, and policemen came out, clearing the passage for Siddharth to walk up to the court. I came out of my hidden position and ran towards him.

"Avneet, wait," Bhaiya said, but I ignored him.

"Whore."

"Slut."